Bahrain to institute new visa restrictions on Qatari citizens

Starting today, Bahrain will begin imposing entry visa requirements on Qatari nationals, citing the need to ensure “security and stability”. Manama has blamed Doha for supporting terrorist attacks and civil unrest within the island kingdom.

The move is in line with the Saudi-led boycott of Qatar, which began this summer. As part of his efforts to counter Iranian influence in the region, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is credited with orchestrating the embargo against Qatar, which restored diplomatic relations with Tehran in August.

Along with coordinating the blacklisting of his country’s neighbor, bin Salman has overseen the Kingdom’s intervention in Yemen’s civil war and, more recently, has led a purge to solidify his succession of the throne. The  “anti-corruption” campaign has led to the arrests of 11 princes, four ministers and numerous former ministers.

Under bin Salman’s rule, expect Riyadh to maintain pressure on Qatar and increasingly flex its muscles to counter Tehran on the international stage. Moving forward, Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah will likely be the next target of the young prince.